Which Type of NEMA Plug is Right for EV Charging?

Alt text – Which Type of NEMA Plug Is Right for EV Charging

Electricity and electrical components are essential features of day-to-day life. Their usability is determined by their prevalence in every activity and device. Given this importance and necessity, we must choose the right electrical components that match the security and safety standards and ensure that our house and devices are protected.

Various power cords, plugs, and extensions provide multiple functions, and they are chosen accordingly. NEMA is one such standard and it’s used extensively, not only in households but also outdoors; now more so with the advent of sustainable transport sources such as electric cars and bikes.

What are NEMA cords?

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association, commonly known as NEMA, collaborates with electrical and medical imaging companies that have banded together to create and promote high safety standards for both industries' goods.

If a plug is marked with the initials "NEMA," it complies with the safety requirements established by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association. The organization officially offers a variety of devices for residential, commercial, and industrial applications because it's not always obvious which NEMA power led to use for a given task.

NEMA power plugs' primary objective is to prevent fires and other accidents by making it simple to connect various kinds of equipment securely. As users, you can identify the right NEMA plus according to the NEMA plugs chart or a NEMA receptacle chart.

How are NEMA cords different from conventional cords?

NEMA plugs come with straight blade wires, including a non-locking connector feature that allows for easier use and which allows for the in and out movement of receptacles without causing any harm to the outlet

Once a NEMA plug is placed inside a twist-locking connector, the curved blade cord acts differently from the straight blade cord. This connector can be turned to lock it in place and prevent unintentional unplugging, which doesn’t apply to conventional plugs.

NEMA plugs frequently have the letter "L" on them, signifying a twist-locking mechanism. Twist-locking connections are commonly used in industrial settings and other places where inadvertent separation is a risk with severe consequences.

In addition to the locking mechanism, NEMA cords can be grounded or ungrounded accordingly. Any extra electricity is routed to the earth when a cable is grounded.

Alt text – electric cord, nema 5-15r

What is an EV charger?

EV is the battery management and charging system of an electric car connected to your home's electrical system. They must be hardwired or plugged into a heavy-duty outlet, such as one used for an oven or clothes dryer.

The ideal power supply for an EV plug is set at 240 volts. Additionally, they are customized according to the unit of measurement for current. Although electrical codes demand that a circuit be equivalent to 125% of a device's continuous load, a typical EV charging configuration employs a 50-amp, 240-volt outlet to allow for a 40-amp EV charger safely

As such, EV chargers require a particular brand of electrical outlet to ensure the load is adequately consolidated. Hence, NEMA plugs come into the picture.

Alt text – heavy duty extension cord, outdoor extension cord

Suitable NEMA cords for EV charging

Nema 5-15P Power Cord

The Nema 5-15P chord with 50-amp maximum amperage is ideally required to operate a 40-amp home EV charging station safely. This outlet is typically seen in mobile home parks and RV parks.

With this cord, an electric vehicle can charge with the correct voltage in less than 6 hours. Additionally, the NEMA 5-15P plug is frequently found on mobile chargers, enabling easy plug-and-play operation without the installation of hardwiring.

However, 80% of its maximum power is permitted for users with these cords due to safety reasons.

NEMA 6-50

The NEMA 6-50 is the most common EV charger, and it’s extensively utilized with higher-power appliances like stoves and dryers. The NEMA 6-50 outlets were traditionally used for home appliances like compressors and generators; however, they now supply electricity to electric vehicles.

Tesla charges its electric vehicles with the same NEMA 6-50 outlet and adapter. This plug type is one of the fastest domestic chargers available, giving an electric car a range of up to 9.6kWh or 30-35 miles in just one hour.

Additionally, drivers can purchase a flat plug extension cord or a charger if they require more power than 50 amps. However, an electrician must hardwire the gadget directly to the circuit to use a robust EV charger.

It’s worth remembering that the NEMA 6-50 must be permanently hardwired for its size and safety purposes. An authorized electrician can connect the equipment directly to the circuit, preventing the EV charging station from being plugged in and out regularly.

Alt text – flat plug extension cord, 30-amp extension cord

Conclusion

The most prominent advantage NEMA outlets provide users is a sense of safety and security. They highly restrict the chances of fire hazards and electrocutions, which traditional outlets failed to prevent. The automotive qualities of the NEMA outlet make it a necessary device for all modern activities in today’s day and age.